by Dean Bowen, America Outloud:
Americans celebrate the birthday of our Constitution on September 17th. It’s a miraculous accomplishment that continues to set records. Since 1787, America has had only one Constitution. Quite frankly, this sets us apart from other countries and adds to our exceptionalism. The average life span of a constitution among the world’s nations is a whopping 17 years! Our celebration of 236 years is exceptional!
In order to further set our celebration in perspective, consider these facts: within the same time frame, we have celebrated one Constitution; France has had 15. In the past 100 years, Russia has had four. Afghanistan has had 6, while Poland has had seven. Since 1948, South Korea has had six constitutions. Since 1954, China has had 4. That’s roughly one constitution every 17 years for China.
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Our Constitution is precious, especially when compared to the rest of the world. British Prime Minister William Gladstone called it “the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.” That’s quite a compliment. But it almost didn’t happen.
The hot, sticky summer of 1787 saw many state delegates bring their own plan of action to the convention, and with so many varying opinions, there was very little hope for compromise as gridlock set in. At that point, Benjamin Franklin rose to address the convention. He was the oldest delegate at 81 and had yet to address the delegates personally. His remarks were not prepared, rather than were spoken from the heart. We only know what was said because of Madison’s meticulous note-taking. Here is part of what Franklin said:
“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine Protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His Assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men . . . I, therefore, beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”
The delegates took a few days off to attend church services and reflect upon their work. When they returned to the convention hall, they did indeed open the morning in prayer (and Congress has opened in prayer every day since). A different mood had set in. A spirit of cooperation had replaced the discord which previously lingered. Alexander Hamilton put it this way:
“For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system which, without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests.”
We have much to be thankful for in America today, and our Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights, is chiefly among them. However, there are nefarious forces at work that are attempting to undermine the Constitution and remove individual liberties.
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